May 3, 2024 Welcome to the Hilltop College Consulting monthly newsletter -- sharing updates, reminders, resources, and more! Typically, May 1st is “Decision Day” for 12th graders who are choosing between two or more colleges; it’s the usual enrollment/deposit deadline for many colleges and universities. This year, FAFSA delays and debacles have caused some schools to push back their deadlines. If you are a college-bound 12th grader and you have been able to make an enrollment decision, congratulations! If you are still waiting on your financial aid package or other information before you decide, keep your chin up! And please reach out if you have questions or need help with a financial aid appeal or enrollment decision. |
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April was a busy and fulfilling month of growth and development! This month, I partnered with Compass Education Group to provide free SAT and ACT practice tests to Hilltop College Consulting students. Compass offers a variety of virtual and in-person practice test and test prep opportunities, including classes and private tutoring. I also attended an Equity and Access Lunch hosted by Allegheny College and College Now Greater Cleveland. Allegheny College has a thriving Bonner Program, which awards scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need and a passion for meaningful service to local community organizations. Allegheny College is one of 75 colleges in the U.S. with a Bonner Program and one of only three schools to offer both Bonner Scholar and Bonner Leader opportunities! At the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce’s April Lunch + Learn, I learned more about effective public speaking (and resources for practicing it) from the Chardon chapter of Toastmasters International. Did you know that Toastmasters has a Youth Leadership Program? Finally, I participated in the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling’s Annual Conference in Columbus, OH, where I shared information about the AXS Companion to Common App with local school counselors and college admission officers. Check out my blog article on the AXS Companion below! |
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Dates, Deadlines, & Reminders |
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May 1st is the usual deposit/enrollment deadline for college admitted 12th graders who are enrolling for the upcoming fall semester. Some colleges have extended this deadline because of FAFSA delays. Use NACAC’s Enrollment Deadlines Directory to find school-specific deadlines for sending your deposit and claiming your spot! May 6-17: AP exams. Good luck!! If you have not submitted it already, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is still open! To get started, you will need to create your FSA ID first. Always check individual schools for their specific financial aid deadlines! (Remember that you need to file a FAFSA in order to receive federal unsubsidized student loans, even though they are available to any student, regardless of financial need). Before the end of the school year, 11th graders should… Meet with their school counselor to discuss college plans and identify school policies related to college applications. Request letters of recommendation (for college applications) from two teachers of core academic subjects at school. For more on whom and how to ask, check out my blog article on this subject.
Before the end of the school year, all high school students should make a plan for the summer. How do you want to spend your time, and what can you do now to set up a productive and meaningful experience? See the Featured Resource below for ideas!
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Hilltop College Consulting Blog |
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